Obituary of Phyllis T. Kennedy

Phyllis T. Kennedy (nee Basenfelder), age 85, a long time resident of Plymouth Meeting for 51 years and since 2005 a resident of Ann's Choice in Warminster PA died Thursday (12/18) at her residence. She was a longtime member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and most recently a member of Nativity of our Lord Parish in Warminster. She was the mother of 7 and a retired Medical Marketing Manager, employed by IMS Health. In her early years following college she taught at Ravenhill Academy, Phila. Mrs. Kennedy was born in Phila., PA, the daughter of the late Edwin J. and the late Philomena Basenfelder (nee Wooten). She was the wife of the late John J. Kennedy Jr. who passed away in 1992. Mrs. Kennedy was a graduate of West Catholic High School Class of 1947 and Chestnut Hill College Class of 1951 (BA, Psychology) and stayed active in their Alumni Assn. In her younger days Phyllis sang for the USO on the radio during World War II and was a regular contributor to radio music shows on WIP and WFIL in Philadelphia during the 1940s and was a student of voice with Elsie MacDonald, one of the famed MacDonald Sisters singing act. . Thru her life she continued to use her singing talent in her church choir and Parish follies of Saint Philip Neri Church in Lafayette Hill and the Melody Makers singing group at St. Joseph's Villa. She also was a proud member of their Phillipians Social Club and enjoyed traveling with her many friends. During her 10 years at Ann's Choice retirement community she continued to sing in their many shows, choir and acted in plays. While at Ann's Choice Phyllis helped shape the catholic community life as a member of the Catholic Counsel. For many years Phyllis volunteered at Saint Joseph's Villa in Flourtown she also was a former Girl Scout Leader and as a young girl spent her summers with her close cousin Evelyn Worthington (nee Schmid) at their family home in North Wildwood, NJ. She is survived by Five daughters: Sister Sheila M. Kennedy, SSJ of Phila., PA, Dr. Julia M. Kennedy, DO (Gene Gordon) of Furlong, PA, Louise A. Kennedy of Warrington, PA, Barbara K. Mahoney of Havertown, PA, Martha M. Mulligan (Patrick) of Flourtown, PA. Two sons: John J. Kennedy III (Julie A. Mancini) of Abington, PA, Dr. Matthew E. Kennedy (Dr. Amy P.) of Clinton, NJ 13 Grandchildren: Patrick, Molly and Kaitrin (Mahoney), Bridget, Emily and Kelly (Gordon), Shane Kennedy and Jesse and Jordan (Wiener), Conall and Madeline (Mulligan), and Breana and Sarah (Kennedy). She was predeceased by 2 grandchildren-Brendan and Conall Mahoney. Friends may call Saturday 12/27/2014 from 9:30-11AM at Saint Philip Neri Church, 437 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill, PA. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery, 235 Matsonford Road, Conshohocken, PA Contributions may be made to The Sisters of St. Joseph Development Fund, 9701 Germantown Ave. Phila. Pa. 19118. - See more at: http://www.lownes.com/tribute/details/450/Phyllis_T_Kennedy/obituary.html#tribute-start